End to subprime write-downs in sight: S038;P

Standard 038; Poor8217;s said write-downs for large financial institutions on subprime debt are likely past the halfway mark, but could still hit 285 billion. S038;P8217;s estimate of write-downs was up from the 265 billion figure it published in January, but the credit ratings agency said an end to subprime write-downs was in sight. 8220;The positive news is that global financial sector appears to have already disclosed the majority of valuation write-downs,8221; S038;P said in a report.